Full Breakdown
Portland Thorns Match Marred by Violence Against “Save Women’s Sports” Activists
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
During a Portland Thorns home game against the North Carolina Courage, roughly 20 activists from the “Save Women’s Sports” movement entered Providence Park wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts. After keeping the shirts concealed for the first half, the group revealed the apparel and unfurled a banner reading “Save Women’s Sports” at the start of the second half. Pro-trans supporters—identified as members of the Rose City Riveters—responded with verbal abuse, flag-pole strikes, and physical aggression. Security personnel escorted the activists out, while many of the assailants remained inside.
Background & Context
“Save Women’s Sports” opposes the inclusion of transgender women in women’s athletics, promoting policies that restrict participation to individuals assigned female at birth. The group’s apparel, produced by XX-XY Athletics, displays the phrase “biological reality.” Activists Amy Sousa and Brandi Kruse have previously organized rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and have advocated for ballot measures in Washington and Colorado that would limit transgender participation in school sports. A smaller group of the same activists was removed from a Thorns match in early September after being accused of “transphobia.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Activist Amy Sousa told reporters she and other participants were struck with flags, had drinks thrown at them, and were forced out while an ADA-qualified woman in a walker was also pushed. Brandi Kruse described being restrained behind her back by a security guard, taken up the stairs, and physically removed after asking why only her group was asked to leave. Reporter Matt Calkins, credentialed for the match, reported that he was flipped off, called a Nazi, had his phone knocked from his hand, and had beer poured on his neck. Ari Laureano, a detransitioned former athlete who remained at the game, said he was smashed in the face by a flagpole after revealing his shirt.
Official Statements & Responses
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) later acknowledged that security at an unrelated “Dream-Fever” game had acted improperly by forcing fans to cover shirts, but the league declined to name the individual responsible for the Portland incident. The Thorns’ communication director did not respond to requests for comment, and security director Jim McCausland said he lacked time to speak about the matter.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 20 “Save Women’s Sports” activists attended the match.
- Roughly half a dozen left the stadium before the banner was displayed due to safety concerns.
- Multiple eyewitnesses reported flag-pole strikes, drinks thrown, and at least one facial injury.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources consistently describe the activists’ removal, but there is no publicly available explanation from Thorns security regarding why only the activists were escorted out while many assailants remained. The league’s admission of a security error pertains to a different event, leaving specific accountability for this incident unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were attacked by fans. We were hit with flags. We had drinks and thrown at us,” — Amy Sousa
- “I think the average person looks at this and doesn't understand what's going on, and the media goes and calls all these women horrible homophobic bigots,” — Ari Laureano
What’s Next
Activists plan to file police reports and continue advocating for the upcoming November ballot measures in Washington and Colorado that would restrict transgender participation in school athletics. The incident has intensified debate over fan conduct policies and security protocols at NWSL venues.